I recently found this story, a legend passed down through the ages about an old Cherokee grandfather teaching his grandson about life. I thought it was appropriate to share with the deaf community. Certainly gives you “food for thought.” The original story is below the vlog.
A Cherokee Legend
An old Cherokee grandfather was teaching his grandson about life.
“A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy.
“It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil — he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.”
“The other wolf,” he continued, “he is good — he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too,” he said.
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked, “Grandfather, which wolf will win?”
The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one that you feed.”
My name is LaRonda Zupp.
I am Deaf. Welcome to
"The Ear of My Heart."
I love this Two Wolves story! Thanks for sharing your excitement for literature with us!
Left by Carl Schroeder on March 29th, 2007
Thanks Carl. I appreciate your comment. Your dragon stories are often my inspiration!
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on March 29th, 2007
Your blog posts are always very refreshing. You have a style all of your own and you obviously put a great deal of effort into it.
Thanks!
Lantana
Left by Lantana on March 29th, 2007
Thanks Lantana. Your comments are equally uplifting.
FYI: I’ve just been given a nod over on Jamie Berke’s About: Deafness website. Take a look at:
http://deafness.about.com/od/blogs/p/laronda.htm
My heart is full.
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on March 29th, 2007
Interesting story! Did you make up that story or Where did you get that story from?? (curious)
Left by Mia on March 29th, 2007
Hi Mia.
I did not make up this story. It is a true Cherokee legend — a story passed down through time in the Cherokee nation. I found it on the internet when I was looking up Native American stories.
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on March 29th, 2007
Whoooo! I love this! So symbolic. I just shared it with my daughter. It was a thought provoking experience for her. Waving ILY hands to ya!
Julie
Left by Julie Rems-Smario on March 29th, 2007
Thanks Julie. The message is timeless and universal and one for all ages. Glad to know you shared it with your daughter.
Gotta go feed some wolves now.
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on March 30th, 2007
I enjoyed the story very much. I read your interview with Jamie Berke. I also had been sick with Toxic Shock Syndrome 3 times (one nearly took my life) during my junior year at the residential deaf school. Lantna was one of my houseparents during that time.
Keep b/vlogging.
Left by Lisa on March 30th, 2007
The good wolf will win!! Smile!!
Left by JohnABC on March 30th, 2007
Good story, thanks for reminding us. Your signing style is interesting too. What I mean by interesting is your “artistic” signing style. The way you put emphasis on words in motion.
Left by MikeS on March 30th, 2007
As someone with a Cherokee heritage– I love this! Thanks for sharing!
Left by Karen on March 30th, 2007
I remember the first time I learned this story – I attended a Native American PowWow in Oklahoma and there was an old Cherokee chief there who told the story in the native Cherokee tongue, with a younger Cherokee man translating it into English for the audience (and then my interpreter translating it yet again into ASL for me!)
Thanks for bringing back that touching and yet powerful memory.
~ Ocean
“Deaf Pagan Crossroads”
Left by Ocean on March 30th, 2007
Oh, very interesting story! I had to read and watch your video twice… only because I have enjoyed it so much. You got yourself a new favorite fan, that’s me!!
-SG
Left by Seek Geo on April 1st, 2007
Nice story! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Left by Teri on April 2nd, 2007
Wow! what amazing story. I enjoyed very much. Than you for sharing it!
Left by Rosa on April 9th, 2007
Wow!!! Awesome story about 2 wolves! Thank you so much for sharing it!! Yeah right!! We can learn from other critics… I like your wave bye with ILY… Smile.
Shawn
Left by ASLisRisen on May 2nd, 2007
Beautiful and true. We always have the choice who wins…good or evil. Thanks for sharing.
Left by Lynda on October 18th, 2007
Threre is a nice song by John Flynn called
“Two Wolves” based on this story.
Left by Dave on August 13th, 2008
I think this story is really cool. It is very good because people can relate to it. It does not just have to be religious. It is for everyone because everyone has to make choices in theirs lives.Everytime I read this I think about my life how true this story really is. Sometimes it takes a story like this for people to start thinking about what we do in life and the decisions we make.
Left by Alisha J. on March 4th, 2011